American Unitarian Conference Forum

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I am unsure what anyone here thinks of George Carlin. I can only speak for myself on this matter and thought I would share my thoughts.  I believe the world has lost a giant with Carlin's death yesterday.

I have long believed that comedians are some of the most brilliant-and often overlooked-geniuses, philosophers, even prophets, of our time.  The God-given gift of humor is a remarkable attribute, and when placed in the hands of men like George Carlin, Robin Williams, and Jerry Seinfeld, it is a truly amazing thing.  The ability of these men to state the truth so directly-and so hysterically-is something I think God would be quite proud of.

While some recoil in revulsion and horror at this style of politically incorrect, frequently offensive, sometimes perverse and even blasphemous humor I have always found such a style to have a place in the world.  After all, were every great man to have a "Messianic" aura about them the majority of people wouldn't be able to stand in their presence.  Dipping into the well of humor of Chris Rock, and Matt Stone & Trey Parker (co-creators of South Park) is something that shocks people but that shock value is funny as hell-and makes great points, and even contains some deep thoughts when you look below the surface.  Someday I hope to write a book called The Gospel According to South Park.

My point is that these men, these great men, may be indecent by some standards but they are not evil.  They are modern-day prophets, who tell the truth in ways most clergy and virtually all politicians would never even consider.  And they make people laugh.  That alone is a great gift, even the best medicine.  Comedy helped me get through the past difficult weeks, and I consider my own sense of humor one of my greatest strengths.

Carlin may have been an atheist, but I believe that his "sin" in this regard was his unbelief in the fictional god of religion.  I am sure by now he has come to face-to-face with the One, and by this point I'm sure even God is laughing hysterically.

Rest in peace Mr. Carlin.  Your contributions will remain with us into the ages.

Very nicely put, Logan. I couldn't agree with you more. I would add that Carlin was a master of the English language.

I would add to the list of comedy greats Steve Martin who is much deeper than he is generally given credit for. I recommend his autobiography Born Standing Up.

Also, Lao Tzu, tho not a comedian, certainly brought levity to the worlds of philosophy and religion.

The classical fool (after whom, by the way, The Motley Fool stock advisors are named) was a clever character who revealed truths no one else would admit to. I see today's comedians as present day fools. I mean that in the most complimantary way. I must be a reincarnated groundling. Read this blip from Wikipedia:

"The "Shakespearian fool" is a recurring character type in the works of William Shakespeare. Shakespearean fools are usually very clever peasants or commoners that use their wits to outdo people of higher social standings. In this sense, they are very similar to the real fools, clowns, and jesters of the time, but their characteristics are greatly heightened for theatrical effect. They are largely heterogeneous. [9] The "groundlings" (theater-goers that were too poor to pay for seats and thus stood in the front by the stage) that frequented the Globe Theater were most likely particularly drawn to these Shakespearian fools or clowns. "

RIP George Carlin.